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Creamy Artichoke Dip

January 28, 2015

This creamy artichoke dip comes from my Mom’s best friend. This is definitely one of the most meaningful recipes we have, which is why my mom will be guest posting further down.

I remember everyone raving about it at every gathering we went to growing up. I have never once brought this dip to a party or gathering without someone requesting the recipe. In fact, many times I have quite a few people requesting the recipe. It’s just that good. In fact, out of all the dips I have ever had, including restaurant versions this one remains my favorite. Is it healthy? Heavens no, but you’ll be quite happy wit how delicious it is and let’s be honest, a little applause from your thighs as you walk couldn’t be all that bad, right? 😉

I love how a good recipe can immediately flood you with memories of a person, loved one or event. I sincerely believe that recipes should be shared and passed on between family and friends. They are just as important as stories in our family history.

I couldn’t find a picture of Peggy with my mom, so my mom and my girls will have to do,

Peggy passed away two years ago, and we all miss our second mother, friend, and “sister”. At Peggy’s house you always ate your crust, loved sports, camping and fruit cocktail. I remember Peggy calling my mom practically every morning, “Mom, it’s Peggy!!!” and the two of them sitting on a couch or in camping chairs on vacation chatting and laughing. We would drive in separate cars on vacations, but use pads of papers to write notes to one another in our windows. We were truly, one big family. We were always going back and forth between our houses for play dates, and I even remember waking up to Peggy sitting in our living room telling us that mom was at the hospital having our little brother.

Because I have learned that everyone needs a good friend, especially women and how important relationships are in life (much to learn, much to be given and much to receive from one another) I’ll let my mom finish. May each of us be so lucky to have a “Peggy” in their life. I know I’m so lucky to have my own as an adult.

Thoughts on Peggy Glem by Carolyn Feik.

“Have you ever met someone and known immediately that you were going to be friends? Well, that is the way my friendship began with Peggy. She and I were really opposites–She was out-going, adventurous and enthusiastic about everything. I am more reserved, quiet and hesitant about life until I feel comfortable and confident. Most people never really understood why we were such good friends. But, we had a connection. We were passionate about the same things. We understood each other. And, that connection was extended to our husbands and children. Really, we were just one big family–very different, but just alike in all the things that matter. Our families shared the same interests, camping, fishing, playing games, and religious convictions. We vacationed together, we took care of each others’ kids, sat with each other in the hospital when sickness struck and we shared every important event in each others’ lives. When our children were little, Peggy and I even went grocery shopping together just so we had time to talk. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? I don’t think friendships like this come around very often. In fact, I believe it is a “once in a lifetime” blessing.
Peggy had a gift for people. She could make everyone feel welcome and important. Everyone who knew her felt that she was their best friend. She was truly interested in everyone. She wanted you to have the best that life could offer, and she helped push you along until you achieved more than you thought possible. She was my sounding board and confidant. She understood what I was trying to say when I couldn’t find the words to express my feelings. She was there for good times, hard times, sad times and happy times.
Getting together with Peggy always included laughter, good conversation and of course, good food. I have so many of her recipes and each one takes me back to time spent together and sweet memories of a “once in a life-time” friend.”

We haven’t forgotten you sweet friend. Thinking of you and your influence always.

oh what a sweet sweet post…first for your mom to have such an amazing friend and then for you yourself to have her such a huge part in your life too…what a special special lady. i love when recipes have a family story behind them – that is always the best